The bottom line: Playoff sides punish clubs that are hurting as bad as Sporting Kansas City was Friday night. They don’t concede late-game penalties or throw away points. They don’t allow a team that’s missing five starters to run the show.

The Reds, although without Michael Bradley, were up against a side that entered the fixture without a centre back. The defending champs were missing three key pieces due to international duty, including U.S. internationals Graham Zusi and Matt Besler. They were also littered with injuries.

This was supposed to be match where Toronto FC solidified itself as a contender in the East.